Week 2

Getting to review Erikson’s stages of development was a nice refresher from what l learned during my undergrad.  This chapter provided for a lot of time to reflect.  One thing that did really stand out in the text this week was the idea of ego-defense mechanisms.  As soon as I read rationalization, I immediately connected.  I will never forget the one year at the Dillsburg Dual Shootout (soccer tournament).  I was probably 12, and the game ended in a tie.   5 players on each team had to take penalty kicks to break the tie.  I was up---just me and goalie—everybody watching—and—I missed. L  I was so upset and couldn’t hold in the tears.  The most important part of this story is at this point, I decided to fake an injury and tell everybody I twisted my ankle, and that is why I missed.  Naturally, my mom made me an icepack and I sat icing my “injury” for the next few hours.

The article also lead to lots of reminiscing!  I read a quote in the article that stood out to me.  Steinberg (2008) said, “as a general rule, adolescents and young adults are more likely than adults over 25 to binge drink, smoke cigarettes, have casual sex partners, engage in violent and other criminal behavior, and have fatal or serious automobile accidents, the majority of which are caused by risky driving or driving under the influence of alcohol.”

There is a large part of me that can agree with the opinion of the author, and I can believe that there are changes in our brain during this time period that may play a role in the choice to participate in risky behaviors.  However, I also believe that this particular period in a person’s life lends itself to being a more convenient time for risk-taking.  Most adolescents gain access to transportation other than their parents.  So for the first time, it is may be viewed as “easy” to get away with some risky-behaviors.  Most adolescents are given more freedom from their parents simply because they are getting older—is this an invitation to take a risk? Most adolescents have minimal responsibilities compared to adults---They are simply expected to be physically present in school.  Other responsibilities come as a choice---after school job, sports, clubs, and participation in church.  And hasn’t it always been noted that the more involved adolescents are, the less likely they are to get into trouble?  During these years the amount of free time is greater than any other.  Realistically these kids can potentially have from 3-11pm to do whatever they choose.

 I can honestly admit I participated in many risk-taking behaviors between the ages of 15 and 20.  As I look at my life now-as a 25 year old, risk-taking behavior has dramatically declined.  Why?  Well, for starters—I already did most of it, and the desire to do it again isn’t there.  Secondly, I have too many responsibilities that would come first.  I have a job in which I am expected to be physically, mentally, and emotionally present 40-50 hours a week.  I have a class on Tuesday evenings, dinner with my dad on Wednesdays, dinner with my mom on Thursdays…when do I even have time to be risk-ay???? 

So I guess in conclusion, I believe many factors play a role in the fact that adolescents are more likely to participate in risk-taking behaviors.  Not only can I believe that changes in the brain occur during this period, but also that psychological developments plays a role, as well as simple convenience due to less responsibility.

Corey, G. , & Corey, M.S. (2008). I never knew I had a choice: Explorations in personal growth (9^th ed.). Belmont, California: Thompson Brooks/Cole.

Steinberg, L. (2008). A social neuroscience perspective on adolescent risk-taking. Developmental Review, 78-106.